2) I met Viv outside the Railway Station where we decided to go for a ride in one of the 42 passenger pods on the York Wheel. The 53 metre wheel towers over the skyline offering panoramic views of the historic city. I set up my pocket Fuji F70EXR camera on to the tripod (like I did on a few occasions during my trip) and took this shot before we boarded the Wheel.

4) Pressing my rubber lens hood to the glass pod window to minimise reflections I zoomed in on the iconic York Minster in the distance. York Minster is Northern Europe's largest Gothic Cathedral. There are apparently 275 steps of the central tower where views at the top stretch for miles. The weather was overcast and rain was in the air but the views were still wonderful.

6) The Holgate Windmill situated on Windmill Rise is mentioned in Chronicles dating as far back as the 14th Century. The current windmill was built in 1770 and ceased grinding corn in 1933 and fell in to disuse. The mill was given Grade ll listed building status in 1954. Restoration started in 2006. The sky was a bit grey at this point but to see it in all its glory see Viv’s photoblog on the Windmill.

8) York is the most haunted City on the planet. (So they say) There are records of ghosts, apparitions and strange goings on than anywhere else in the world. So carrying our tripods and cameras we waited until darkness descended and explored York taking some night photography.

10) All within this compact city centre there was plenty offering everything. There are antique and book dealers, speciality craft shops, themed markets, elegant boutiques and all the mainstream high street shops, Bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants. Something for everyone and only minutes away there are the tranquil gardens and green spaces, shady squares, tearooms and riverside bars. Beautiful preserved buildings like this in Stonegate date from 1434 and look lovely lit up at night.

12) Still within a short stroll of York Minster the pub on the left is said to have been haunted for centuries. Distinctive buildings like that hold such intriguing history and generate vibrant atmosphere. The pub on the right is the newest of three York brewery pubs right in the beating heart of York. I just loved the mixture of old with the new modern and the street was just alive with spirit.

14) Situated on St Helen's Square is The Mansion House and is the home of the Lord Mayor's of York during their term in office. It is built in an early Georgian style. The foundation stone was laid in 1725 and completed 7 years later in 1732. The York Guildhall is situated behind the Mansion House.

16) We collected Viv's mobility scooter to enable us to wander and explore York further. After a quick impromtu photograph we were off.

18) The Minster stands on a site where history has been made over the centuries. The Emperor Constantine began his progress to greatness here, and the foundations of the Roman buildings in which he lived can be seen under the central tower. St Paulinus baptised the local Saxon king on this spot, and many Archbishops, including St William of York, are buried here.

20) The York Museum Gardens are botanic gardens in the centre of York beside the north bank of the River Ouse just outside the city walls and they cover a ten acre area of the former grounds of St Mary's Abbey in which ruins can be seen here.

22) I took the photo opportunity to set up my folding tripod again to compose this composition of Viv and myself with the interesting backdrop of the ruins. The sun was just shining just or a brief moment which made the next few shots a little bit brighter.

24) A different perspective of the ruins taken from the path leading down to the Hospitium.

26) The Gardens are also home to a population of semi-tame grey squirrels although they seemed to have slightly bronzed red bushy tails in the mid-day sunshine that shone through the shaded trees.

28) I looked up and Viv was exploring the gardens and we stopped to take some photographs of the beautiful flowers and plants in their June bloom.

30) The 7 spotted common ladybird (The red colour represents the red cloak worn by Mary in old paintings. The 7 spots are for 7 joys & 7 sorrows) I spotted this on a beautiful border purple flower. I'm not sure of the flower name as I cannot match to identify but the crossed pattern and the contrasting colours added a different dimension to the composition. There was a little Aphid crawling beneath the ladybird too. It took 27 shots to get this one shot I was happy with on macro.

32) From the York Museum Gardens we stepped out of the gate on to the river edge Esplanade path by the Lendal Bridge. One of the pleasure boats was sailing past in front of the York Wheel.

34) I changed the UV filter on my Fuji HS10 camera and placed a yellow filter on and took this in B&W mode. I particular like the reflection of the Swan's tail end in the puddle water on the riverside path as it dived in.

36) I looked over at Viv and couldn't resist this shot and so zoomed in to view her camera settings. Viv was composing her Black and white shot of the boat and wheel.

38) I recognise this yellow centred white rayed flower. The Daisy features in the light hearted saying. He loves me he loves me not. It was said that Spring had truly arrived if one could set foot on a dozen daisies at once.

40) We made our way in front of my guest house by the Scarborough Bridge (built 1844) and I made us a mug of tea each and brought them outside which warmed us up. Then after a short stop, Viv put her right scooter indicator light on and put her left hand out for this fun photo opportunity. Then it was back towards the City centre to return the scooter before 4pm.

42) Possibly a Petunia which was just standing proud in the York Museum Gardens as we made our way back through towards the main gate. There are approximately 4,500 plants and trees in the collection some of the varieties are native to England and some from other parts of the world.

44) The North American grey squirrel was deliberately introduced to Britain and other parts of Europe during the 19th Century. Since then, despite being released merely as a curiosity to satisfy the Victorian penchant for novelty, the adaptable and hardy grey squirrel has thrived in Britain’s parks, gardens and woodlands. Indeed, it has now become so widespread, that it is accepted by many as a natural part of our wildlife, much enjoyed by many people and perhaps one of the most commonly seen British mammals. We sat for a while watching the antics of the squirrels and taking photos.

46) Feeling much brighter, like the weather, with batteries re-charged, I met Viv and we collected her scooter and came across Clifford's Tower. The site of Clifford's Tower was used by the Romans as a cemetery. The bronze and pottery evidence confirms Saxon and Viking occupation. Standing high on its mound, the 11th century Clifford's Tower is the last remaining part of York Castle. In 1068 William the Conqueror built a mound and the round tower, of wood, to establish his control in the North.

48) In the distance York's stunning £4.2m Millennium Bridge at Fulford which was opened by the City's Lord Mayor in 2001. The Duke of York gave the high strength stainless steel arch structure the royal seal of approval on his visit.

50) A Greylag goose (possibly) flapping its wings on the River Ouse.

52.) After doing a little mileage and having nicked Viv’s scooter at one point, we sat by the bridge at a riverside cafe and ordered a Hot Chocolate. It was a do it yourself style drink. The hot white milk arrived with a bowl of dark chocolate drops to drop into the milk. Well, I set up my pocket camera onto my tiny tripod and did a test shot which happened to shoot just as I said to Viv ... "These look like dog chocolate drops" and we both laughed which was captured on camera . This image reflects the great time Viv and myself had together in York. Then it was time to return the wheels back to the mobility centre and to say our goodbyes until another time. I then made my way back to my Guest house for my last night.